Car Hire Hersham

You’ll hear the river before you see it—a soft hush winding through the green edges of Hersham. Tucked between Weybridge and the quieter ends of Walton-on-Thames, this Surrey village sits just off the A244, a short drive from the M25 or A3. It’s a calm sort of place, where playgrounds meet walking trails and bell towers hide behind oak trees – a place where you can run from crowds condisering its lower population count – just a little more of 12,000.

Spring brings gardens into bloom, while autumn smells faintly of bonfires. On the way in from Esher, we pulled over early and stayed longer than planned. Hersham has that effect.

Attractions In Hersham

Hersham isn’t built for show—it’s built for people. The parks here have picnic benches worn smooth by generations and you’ll rarely see a “no ball games” sign. There’s a rhythm of quiet utility and occasional surprise: an arts programme inside a modest hall, a sudden medieval tower tucked between hedgerows.

Hersham Riverside Park

Just off Conyers Close, this is the kind of park where the air smells of damp earth and mown grass. We watched dragonflies skip over the river and a couple with a flask settle under the same tree they’d likely been visiting for years. It’s open day and night, though early mornings are especially peaceful.

Drakes Park

It’s easy to miss the turn—we nearly did. But tucked close to the Riverside Park, this smaller green patch felt like an extension of it, with quieter corners and more birdsong than chatter. Also accessible around the clock.

Coronation Recreation Ground

Off Molesey Road, this spot felt alive the minute we arrived. Kids raced bikes, dogs barked with friendly chaos and someone was setting up cones for football training. There’s no set closing time but most activity wraps up by dusk.

Vauxmead

Set just behind St Peter’s, Vauxmead is one of those places that doesn’t make sense until you’re standing in it. We’ve heard locals mention the annual greyhound blessing like it’s nothing—but it says a lot. You can wander through at any time of day.

Hersham Memorial Garden

Between Pleasant Place and the High Street, this small patch of calm seems almost too hidden. Neat hedges, a few benches and not much else—which is exactly what makes it worth stopping. Always open but it’s at its best before the lunch rush.

Piglets Play Centre

Burhill Road hums with activity around here and Piglets is a clear magnet. Inside, there’s the kind of controlled chaos parents know well—soft play, a racing red slide, scattered coffee cups. Weekdays are quieter, opening from mid-morning through the afternoon. Weekends close earlier, so it’s best to check ahead.

Hersham Library

Molesey Road has a few unassuming buildings but this one has soul. The staff greet regulars by name and the walls are filled with colour from local artists. It’s open most days from late morning, with shorter hours midweek—worth checking before dropping in.

Hersham Golf Club

Along Assher Road, the course opens up without ceremony—no grand gate, just a gravel turn and neat signage. Open from morning through early evening, it’s rarely too busy on weekdays. The clubhouse has the soft hum of people who’ve known each other a while.

Art-K Walton-On-Thames

A short walk from Hersham proper, Art-K is less studio, more haven. From the outside it’s easy to miss—but step inside and it’s all light, laughter and paintbrushes. Most sessions run in the afternoons and into early evening, especially popular on Saturdays with families from Addlestone.

Ashley Park Recreational Area

We made this our first stop after driving from West Byfleet and it worked perfectly to stretch the legs. Technically over the line in Walton-on-Thames, it’s still very much in Hersham’s orbit. There are no gates or hours—the space is yours whenever the weather cooperates.

National Trust – Claremont Landscape Garden

Approaching from Cobham, the garden appears like something out of a novel—full of old perspectives and shifting views. Open daily, usually from mid-morning to late afternoon, it’s perfect for a full wander or a slow picnic under trees.

Wayneflete Tower

During a slow afternoon in Thames Ditton, we found time to pull over and explore this 15th-century tower. There’s no formal visiting structure—sometimes the gate is open, sometimes not. Worth a look regardless.

Chessington World Of Adventures Resort

A big day out and a known favourite with families coming in from Shepperton. While not unique to Hersham, it often ends up on local itineraries, especially in summer. Best visited midweek to avoid the queues—gates usually open by 10:00 am.

Local Spots To Rest And Refuel

For a comforting pub meal, The Bricklayers Arms on Queens Road is a reliable stop, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a menu full of classics done right. If you’re open to a short drive, The Swan Inn on Hare Lane in Claygate brings a cosier, countryside feel, with roaring fires in winter and shaded garden tables in summer. For somewhere to stay, the Travelodge on Ashley Park Road near Walton-on-Thames station is the most practical option—clean, convenient and well-placed for dipping back into Hersham the next day.